Docklands

Docklands lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the population of Docklands is estimated at around 18,778, reflecting an increase of 3,283 people since the 2021 Census. The total population in 2021 was 15,495. This growth represents a 21.2% increase over four years. AreaSearch estimated this population based on the resident population of 18,569 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 983 validated new addresses since the Census date. The suburb's high population density of 5,961 persons per square kilometer places it in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. This makes land in Docklands a highly-sought resource.

Docklands' growth rate exceeded both the national average (9.9%) and state averages since the 2021 Census. The primary driver for this population growth was overseas migration, contributing approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch's projections for Docklands are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a 2022 base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering these projections, exceptional growth is predicted for Docklands over the period leading up to 2041. The area is expected to expand by 11,185 persons during this time, reflecting a gain of 58.5% in total population over the seventeen years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Docklands among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Docklands averaged approximately 822 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 4,111 homes. As of FY-26926 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.5 new residents per year arrived for each new home between FY-21 and FY-25. This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially enabling population growth beyond current expectations.

The average expected construction cost value of new properties was $680,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, $1.074 billion in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Recent development has consisted entirely of medium and high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

With around 13 people per dwelling approval, Docklands exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Docklands is projected to add approximately 10,980 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Docklands has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch has identified 83 potential impact projects. Notable ones are Elysium Fields, Victoria Harbour Precinct, Collins Wharf - Final Three Towers, and Sento. The following details those expected to have most relevance.

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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Docklands performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Docklands has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate is 2.1%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.7%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.0%.

As of September 2025, 13,634 residents are employed, with a participation rate of 80.0% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. The unemployment rate is 2.6% lower than the regional average. Home workership is high at 50.3%, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Leading industries include professional & technical, finance & insurance, and accommodation & food.

Docklands specialises in professional & technical jobs with an employment share 2.3 times the regional level. Health care & social assistance has limited presence at 7.6% compared to the regional 14.2%. There are 5.7 workers per resident, indicating it functions as an employment hub attracting external workers. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 5.0%, labour force by 5.2%, raising unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 3.0% and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Docklands' industry mix suggests local employment could increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, though these are illustrative extrapolations not accounting for local population changes.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of Docklands had one of the highest income levels in Australia, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest ATO data for the financial year ended June 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $59,022, with an average income of $81,097. These figures compared to Greater Melbourne's median and average incomes of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since the end of June 2023, estimated median and average incomes for Docklands as of September 2025 would be approximately $63,891 and $87,788 respectively. According to Census 2021 income data, individual earnings in Docklands stood at the 90th percentile nationally ($1,182 weekly), while household income ranked at the 63rd percentile. Income analysis showed that 35.4% of the population (6,647 individuals) fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the metropolitan region where 32.8% occupied this bracket. High housing costs consumed 18.8% of income, but strong earnings placed disposable income at the 59th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 9th decile.

Docklands features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Docklands, as evaluated at the Census conducted on 28 August 2016, comprised 0.5% houses and 99.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Melbourne metropolitan area's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Docklands was at 12.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (18.6%) or rented (68.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average. Median weekly rent figure was recorded at $411, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Docklands' mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Docklands features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 51.5% of all households, including 12.4% couples with children, 33.4% couples without children, and 3.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 48.5%, with lone person households at 39.4% and group households comprising 9.1%. The median household size is 1.8 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Educational achievement in Docklands places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Educational attainment in Docklands is notably high, with 64.9% of residents aged 15 years and over holding university qualifications. This compares to national figures of 30.4% for Australia and 33.4% for Victoria. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 39.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 21.9% and graduate diplomas at 3.2%. Vocational pathways account for 18.0% of qualifications among those aged 15 years and over, with advanced diplomas at 10.0% and certificates at 8.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 15.1% in tertiary education, 3.1% in primary education, and 1.6% pursuing secondary education.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Docklands has 61 active public transport stops offering a mix of train, light rail, and bus services. These stops are served by 76 routes, facilitating 34,456 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is excellent, with residents typically located 119 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car remains the primary mode of transport at 37%, followed by walking (16%) and train (14%). Vehicle ownership averages 0.3 per dwelling, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 50.3% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 4,922 trips per day, equating to approximately 564 weekly trips per individual stop.

Docklands's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Docklands shows excellent health outcomes, according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59% of Docklands' total population (11,045 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 5.1% and 4.6% of residents respectively. 84.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, higher than the 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Docklands has 7.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,464 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong and align with national rankings.

Docklands is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Docklands has a culturally diverse population, with 58.7% speaking a language other than English at home and 67.4% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 27.5% of people in Docklands. Hinduism is notably overrepresented, comprising 14.6%, compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 4.4%.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (19.8%), Other (18.9%), and English (13.8%). Notably, Indian (11.7%) Korean (1.9%) and Russian (0.7%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 4.2%, 0.3%, and 0.4% respectively.

Docklands hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Docklands has a median age of 33, which is younger than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Docklands has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (35.5%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (3.4%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national figure of 14.4%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, residents have aged on average by 1.1 years, with the median age rising from 32 to 33. Notably, the proportion of residents aged 35-44 has increased from 18.7% to 20.2%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 25-34 has decreased from 39.0% to 35.5%, and the proportion of residents aged 0-4 has dropped from 4.5% to 2.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests that Docklands' age profile will change significantly. The number of residents aged 25-34 is projected to increase by 2,476 people (37%), rising from 6,666 to 9,143.